| Home • About • Join • Members • Events/Chapters • Programs • Community • Resources • Partners • Speakers • Sponsors • Press & Reviews • Store • Contact • Blog/News • Team • Jobs • Link To Us • Login | ||
Letters In
Dear Songsalive!:
I'm Jean Mazzei from the San Francisco chapter. Thanks to the support of Michael and Sandy in the Chicago chapter, I landed a gig at Uncommon Ground. Thanks so much Songsalive! Jean Mazzei - www.jeanmazzei.com (check out how you can tour hop here)
Gilli, I met you at the Songsalive! conference in Los Angeles back in 2002 and participated in the Song Camp that weekend as well. Being a part of Songsalive! was a crucial step in my development not only as a writer but a person as well. - Matt Gray
The meeting (Songsalive! LA Workshop) was very rewarding. Hell it was more than a meeting it was a supportive working session of writers sharing their gifts. I presented 1 of my new songs which is maybe 3/4 done and the comments I received were very helpful. It was also great to provide constructive comments to other writers who were all very creative. I went home afterwards and looked at my song in a new light and worked on it for quite a while. I'll be back with a new song next month! - Greg Dormani I had a very rewarding and validating experience last night (Songsalive! event). I've been dormant far too long with my music and performing. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to get back in the mix. - Wayne Storm
Songsalive! has been a part of my career since I showcased at their first L.A. Songsalive! Expo (2002). I support all who are trying to support independents. - Camille Bloom
I have truly enjoyed the Songsalive! community. I believe it to be a great organization that cares about music and its artists - Tom Hornig
I joined Songsalive!, and was not sure
if I would end up feeling like a needle in a haystack of
songwriters. That concern subsided very quickly, however, and I experienced
a level of professionalism and personal attention that made me feel right at
home. Songsalive! is a fabulous support network of songwriters inspiring
and empowering each other to live their passion. It is a wonderful,
talented community.
Hi Gilli, It was really nice to meet you at the xmas party. Thanks for the sampler - it sounds fantastic. Very exciting. Just want to say thanks to you and Roxanne and Steven for putting so much work into Songsalive! It has given me so many opportunities from a co-writing, performing point of view and has made me a better and more critical songwriter. But mostly it has given me a bunch of like minded creative friends! Thanks again. - Eleanor Baker
“Thanks again SO MUCH for your great work on this delightful
compilation (link to CD Sampler 9), and for giving me and
Fletcher such an honored spot in the lineup! I feel very
privileged to be included with so many talented songwriters.
Love, kudos, and humblest gratitude to all of you for this great
service to all of us.” -
Eva James
I attended the Songcamp (IMC LA 2007) and thought it was a very good exercise. Actually I thought the time was just about right for such an experiment. Collaboration is, of course, difficult, and best done when the "rules" are up front like they were. In my case, I sort of defaulted to something relatively easy to write musically (blues - fit the group well) and focused more on the lyrics to try to tell a story. Others, of course, used other approaches. I think you almost have to focus on only one things as the time is too short to do otherwise...but sometimes it's easy to "think too much" and you just run with what's there. Sometimes it works! ~ Stephen GC
Songsalive! is a great organization because
it offers so many tools to songwriters and artists for networking
and getting their music out there. I was excited to discover
this organization and I'm really happy to be a part of it!
- Katie Garibaldi Thanks for existing! Hi - this is the artist bodi profit (not my assistant), I wanted to write u personally just to thank you for supporting original music! it's hard on us in this industry as you well know i'm sure - and it is so inspiring that someone is taking the time to help artists that might not be as far into their "career" or in "tune" with their art as some of us and it's still not easy even with all of the above in place. Thanks again just thought you should know it is appreciated on all levels!!! bodi profit
Having been around the songwriting and group scene a long time I find that Songsalive! has been one of the best Indie promoters and just as importantly, accepting of diverse music. There is a overall regard for great communication of all kinds and a support of helping individuals to become the best that they can be. I also love the international nature of Songsalive!. Back to MySpace, we all stay better connected if we all connect up on MySpace. (See Songsalive! on MySpace here) ~ Penelope Torribio A great model and a positive inspiration for other songwriters and artists out there. We are not alone. We should help each other, lift each other up; in collaboration we are stronger. Namaste. – Amy Clarke
It is such a positive experience to be involved with Songsalive! It has a great balance of creativity and business. I'm very happy to be a member. - Debbie Hennessey
Hi Gilli and Toni, I just wanted to tell you both what a positive experience I had at the latest Songsalive! showcase in L.A. at the Bel Age Ten20 Club (on Tuesday the 13th). The atmosphere was welcoming and artist-friendly, the sound was great, and Toni - I love how passionate you were in your encouragement and support of the showcasing songwriters. It set the tone for the entire evening. This was a listening room with artists supporting other artists (people staying to see everyone and not just leaving after their set? Unheard of!). Thank you for fostering that kind of environment - it is rare in this city and very much appreciated! I'm a fairly new member, but I already have loads of respect for what you and the entire Songsalive! team is doing. Kudos to all of you! Cheers, Katrina Parker Songsalive! has been the most helpful songwriter organization I've belonged to. It's given me important performing opportunities, while its daily electronic information is invaluable. I've profited from a few key opportunities that Songsalive! has informed me about. I also performed at the Songsalive! Expo where I made some good songwriting and performing contacts that I continue to benefit from today. Simply put, I'm a grateful Songsalive! member. ~ Mario Martin Zelaya
Songsalive! is one of those great organizations that's a true
community of like-minded artists who all support one another. It's
nurturing and very comforting in so many ways, and still it allows
you to spread your wings and go beyond your comfort zone. Plus, with
chapters all over the place, it serves as an excellent venue to get
your music heard by a broader audience, which is huge for indie
artists! The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, supportive and just
good peeps overall. Plus the resources are practically unlimited.
You can choose how much or how little you get involved, and there is
no pressure to be the Super Songsalive! patron, but at the same
time, you WANT to be involved in everything, because everything
Songsalive is part of is stuff that is pertinent and important to
your career as an artist. Really just a fantastic resource and a
good group of people. Now we all just need to take over the world. ~
Genevieve
I joined Songsalive because I saw Gilli Moon speak at the DIY Convention in 2005 and then went to see her perform with several other members at a Songsalive Showcase in LA. I was totally impressed not only with her amazing talent but her ability to organize such a fantastic organization for songwriters. Since then I have attended and performed at several other Songsalive Showcases and found that most of the songwriters I have seen at these events are very good to excellent. It is inspiring to see other people growing in this organization. ~ Michael Gregory
May 06: "Wow! It seems like a real long time since last we scooped! And there have been several hundred, maybe even thousands of miles that I have traveled since then. From Austin to Baton Rouge April has been spent on the road! I Started the month of April in Austin, where I got the opportunity to play in a Songsalive! Showcase at Ruta Maya Coffeehouse. The show went off without a hitch. The sound was great, the crowd was appreciative and we all got to listen to some awesome talent while waiting for me to play. Allison Thrash—what an amazing blues singer, G-Fire—the high notes that this little lady can hit, Manisha Shehane-Pop music with and Indian twist, cool stuff, and all the other folks made for an interesting evening! Thanks to Melissa Mullins (host) and the great crowd. And for all of my SADD National peeps who braved the long evening to cheer me on! What an awesome night!" - DC Sills - Songsalive! Elite Member
I feel like Songsalive! is an amazing company who are helping artists for all the RIGHT reasons. For the art, for the love of music and I am glad that they have taken an interest in my words and messages. J.Walker Hey Gilli and Toni, I just wanted to let you know that everything went well yesterday at the workshop. Paul kept it on track very well, added good comments on the songs and we all had fun. Heard some good songs and potentially good songs. Thanks for the opportunity. It was enjoyable. Warm regards to you both, John and JoAnn Braheny
I'm very happy to be a member and hope to make good use of my membership in the coming year. I also appreciate all the hard work that Songsalive does for singer/songwriters. - James Higgins Songsalive! has meant a lot to me since my
sister, Gina, disappeared 5 years ago after an open mike night
in Lincoln, NE. Gilli's support in word and deed &
the support of many of you active members has really
helped us to get the word out about missing people. We just found
out last Thursday that "GINA for Missing Persons" had the
opportunity to have an entire page in the Grammy Program
Book. We chose to thank those who have supported our efforts on
this page and Songsalive! is one of the organizations we
thanked. Thank you for your support. It means more than you know to
have an avenue that connects all over the world when looking
for a missing loved one. A great big THANKS
TO Songsalive! from GINA and the families of the missing you
have given hope to. A BIG THANK YOU TO SONGSALIVE
PEOPLE !!!!! Thank you so much for airing my one song "Ghostdance."
(Podcast) - Jim
Barile I've heard good things about Songsalive! and look forward to taking part in many showcases as I tour across the country in the upcoming months. - Carrie Taylor Hey Steve! I had fun at
the showcase (San
Francisco) last night! Thanks for including me! The venue was
cool. Kinda divey with a homey feel. People were nice and helpful,
acoustics decent. I think it's a fine place for showcases! Rock on
in the new year! Jean Mazzei, AzzMazz Music, I joined Songsalive! after going to one of Gilli Moon's workshops in CT. The things that most impressed me about Gilli was her positive attitude. She says YES to life and doesn't back down from new challenges. She sees opportunities where others might see dead ends. Her heart is open and her face is full of light!! I want to be around someone like that!! - Linda Bonadies
Just to say a huge thank you for your detailed critiques. I really appreciate the time and trouble you've taken, and your encouragement. It means a lot to be taken seriously! With very best wishes - Todd McNeal (Australia)
Hi Gilli, I just want to say thanks for your "food for thought- freedom" in the latest songnotes. It really came at a good time for me, with an album recently completed and a bunch of fear rising in the face of my ambitions for the next steps. It's good to be reminded that it is a journey. I'm reminded of a Joseph Campbell quote, "sometimes we have to give up the life we've planned in order to have the one that awaits us". So, thanks, - Brett Robin Wood
I just love the first impression of friendliness and warmth I felt the first time I met Toni and Gilli at the DIY Convention in LA And how it has continued as Hemet good people over other chapters like Dave and Steve (Norcal Songsalive! chapters). My life wouldn't be the same without ever joining up with Songsalive! I’m a brand new member, so I’m just learning, but I do know that organizations like Songsalive are so vital to the indie music movement – the collective support, wisdom, information sharing, and resources are amazing! - Patti Derosa
Gilli was great and an
inspiration (at the Connecticut Songwriters Meeting Oct 05). I love
seeing positive people that go for it in life! I enjoyed
hearing her CD and reading
her book this morning. Just went on the Songsalive!
website and got an elite membership. I'd also be interested in
starting a chapter in the New Haven area. Hope things go
well for you both while you're in our neck of the woods! talk to you
soon
Toni - I can't thank you enough for your kindness and generosity in Philly. Again I must say I'm honored by your help and wanting me to help. I'm thrilled to be a part of a new family of great musicians and people. Gilli was amazing and has given me new hope and inspiration. Please pass on my complements. Her beauty in her heart and writing matches her outward beauty! Simply gorgeous! It's 6:30PM on Monday, back at home feeling very well but tired. Great to be tired from great energy. I'm going to rest tonight and tomorrow i'm ready to start a new phase. Be well and blessings - Steve Syx.
Dear
Gilli, Congratulations on what you and Songsalive are doing with
original music. And for all your activism.
Hello everyone, I recently
joined Songsalive and participated in the Songsalive! Sydney
showcase last Tuesday night at the Cat & Fiddle Hotel in
Balmain! It was my first showcase and it was really nerve-racking
especially because there were some amazing artists/songwriters who
performed that night! When I first got on stage, my knees were
shaking so bad I felt like I was going to just fall in a heap on the
floor. But the atmosphere was great and the audience was just
amazing, you would just love to take them all home with you! They
were all so supportive and responsive and made it all really easy.
It's just so FANTASTIC to have an avenue like that where you can
open your heart and feel warmth and acceptance for your craft! It's
a great feeling! I encourage you all to check out www.songsalive.org
and see what you can do! Make your songs come alive! Feel Empowered!
Through Songsalive! I got connected with other songwriting
associations in Sydney and as a result I am booked for two more
gigs! Thank you Songsalive! I'm learning a lot about the business
side of music, getting to know some really amazing people and I'm
loving every minute of it! More power! I'm happy to be a part of Songsalive. It seems that their passion is truly the music as opposed to the corporate side of things. Looking forward to a chapter being formed in Melbourne. - Thomas Vecera
Songsalive! is a great find! It's a treasure trove of opportunities and any artist who really love their craft should explore this site and discover what Songsalive! can do for you. It's a gateway to a big wide world. I'm very much into self-empowerment and that's why Songsalive! really resonated well with me. They certainly make things a lot easier for artists to learn and understand the business side of being an artist. Getting one of my songs selected for the CD7 sampler was a huge step forward for me! More power to Songsalive! - Teddi
I'm so impressed by what Gilli Moon does for the songwriting community. And Songsalive! looks like a great networking opportunity. Justin Winokur
I really like Songsalive! It’s a great avenue for communicating with other songwriters, keeping in touch with the community, and getting your songs heard. Dan Schteingart
What a fabulous show occurred last
night (Jan 14. 05) at the Los Angeles
Showcase. The house was wall to wall, Lisa Johnson opened with
two songs and knocked us all out. Harriet Schock followed on
keyboard with bass along, background vocals and Herb Katz on
harmonica - Great. Joan Enguita left the audience a quivering mass
of jelly and Michael from San Diego (also with bass accompaniment)
completely captured us with a combination of serious and funny stuff
non-stop. Toni called him a young me. I sang songs I had co-written
with Songsalive! members. Toni had the crowd sing Happy
Birthday and I stressed that my move was not an abandonment but an
expansion, I was starting LA East (as opposed to East LA). It was a
steller night - all were had by a good time.
Songsalive is totally awesome I showcased at one of your shows that Kama hosted RCA records was supposed to come but they canceled on me, but I ended up playing for a room of really great warm caring people!! Songsalive you Rock Baby!! Bob Dee I am very pleased with Songsalive's self-less philosophy. I am pleased to be part of an organization that brings people together instead of competing ruthlessly with one another. Gary Richards
I see Songsalive! and organizations like it at the forefront of "Do it Yourself" independent music. I feel that Songsalive! is helping to empower indie musicians, provide access to tools and contacts that can help move a career forward in various ways. Here in the Bay Area we're not as organized or plugged in as the Los Angeles chapter, but there's still a nascent community of musicians helping one another in various ways as a result of the Songsalive! connection.Loren Davidson
Thanks Roxanne. Well done to you for carrying the torch of Songsalive! showcase etc - not an easy job i imagine. cheers, Brett
Just to let you know that James Hurley and I had a blast at the Songsalive! Showcase last night in San Francisco. Your ears might have been burning as we were talking highly of you, Gilli and the Songsalive! crew. Really great what you're doing for James. He'll be stopping back here in SF in mid November. I'm going to try to set up a gig for the two of us, and we'll be sure to make it known that we're Songsalive members! - Mario Zelaya Just one more thanks for the chance to play the
other night. I really enjoyed the Sacramento Showcase.
It's so refreshing to hear (and especially to be a part of a
group of talented folks doing their art. You (Craig) and Dave did a
great job. Drew Thank you for the
open invitation last night at the Sacramento Showcase. I
am looking forward to joining soon. I first met Gilli Moon in 1998. Brett Perkins, formerly the West Coast director of the National Academy of Songwriters had asked me to substitute as host of his Songwriter night at Highland Grounds in Hollywood, CA while he was on a European tour. He arrived unannounced on one of those nights with Gilli Moon and Roxanne Kiely in tow and asked if it would be okay if they each did a couple of songs. The scheduled performers all agreed it would be okay with them so of course, it was okay with me. I knew right then, there was something extraordinary about these two ladies, and today, Songsalive! has taken the songwriter's world by storm, creating a nurturing environment and safe haven where all songwriters and performers can enjoy a new renaissance, thanks to their dedication, hard work and love for the music they create themselves and encourage in others. Hal Cohen
Just want you all to know that I had the best time gigging with Gilli and all the other wonderful performers last night in Cambridge, MA. Songsalive rawks (rawks=rocks in my Boston accent) and I'll be joining asap (next paycheck) and highly recommend everyone join up who isn't a member already. Seriously, Gilli's got a great organization going on here. ox Sarah http://www.sarahwoolf.com/
What a concept! In fact, I was there talking with people until 4:15... These artists are really hungry for information, and I got the feeling that they may indeed apply some of the things they learned from the presentation. I know everyone also appreciated G-Man's comic relief - it lightened things up considerably... And, as always - it was great seeing you again... Hope we can do an encore sometime soon. Take Care, Bernard Baur
WOW, I've never gotten so many thank yous for a show before, but I must admit it was a GREAT show!!! EVERYBODY was awesome Friday night, and that's not necessarily always the case, so I feel privileged to have been on the bill with you all. My friends from my day job have been telling everyone here who didn't make it out that they really missed an impressive show, and that could mean that next time the audience will be a lot bigger! They also loved the way Songsalive! supports its artists; it was an obvious message of love that got passed around the room to artists and audience alike. Much success to all of you!! Loretta
Hi Roxanne, It was nice meeting you last night. The workshop exceeded my expectations and the constructive critique was both invaluable and inspiring. Listening to all the songs and the suggested improvements provided a number of thought starters. Also I am interested in participating in the next CD sampler. Cheers Michael Kerr
Hey Roxanne and Steve. We just wanted to say a ‘BIG thanks’ for the showcase and supporting us so much last night! It's the second time we've performed live together and you know how it is, if you haven't performed live for a while and with new material, it’s a little scary! But, we had a great time and really look forward to the Christmas one. I’ve really enjoyed attending the Songsalive! workshops and not being from Sydney, I've now made some good friends through Songsalive! As well as your mates who come to see you at the showcases, I feel it’s really important that your material is endorsed / enjoyed by your fellow songwriters/peers - almost like you sort of 'prove' yourself? Don't know if that makes sense, but anyway, thanks again for your support and feedback, I'm still on a high! Cheers again Sharon Hi, Roxanne, Alan Caswell was great. And well done for presenting him... Thanks for all your consistent and persistent efforts with Songsalive! It's very interesting to hear each songwriter's perceptions about the artistry and the craft. Inspirational. It makes me long to get back into the studio every time. Songwriting can be a lonely pursuit especially for those who don't get the lucky break. The Songsalive! meetings and association with other writers is priceless. Best regards, Bill
To Roxanne, Many thanks for accepting me to perform at the Cat and Fiddle on Tuesday - It really was a great night. Everything went really smoothly and I was so impressed with the sound quality. I am so grateful for the support, which is offered by Songsalive! SSA and ASA. Since becoming apart of Songsalive! one month ago, my life has changed dramatically!! I am keen to take up any opportunities that may come my way and am willing to assist in all areas of future events where possible. I have previous experience as Musical Director and composer for Marion St Theatre following my completion of certificates I and II in contemporary Music. Currently I am employed full time as a junior legal secretary. I look forward to participation and involvement in upcoming events. Kind regards, Erin Orion
So pleased we had the opportunity to meet you and the excellent women from Songsalive at IMC 2003. It was such a pleasure to chat with you all and learn more about your philosophy. I am really glad I purchased your book I have begun reading it and can relate to so much. I admire all you have done good luck with your future plans. Wishing you continued success!!! Looking forward to building a lasting friendship with you and Songsalive. Can wait to hear the sampler. Thanks so much for your support and kindness. warm wishes, patti
i think you guys are doing a good job... keep music commercial free!! ivan messinger new york
Dear Roxanne, Wow! What a fabulous experience to attend the Songsalive! workshop (Sydney) on 6 August. Your team is providing an extraordinary service to the local music industry. Wild horses won't drag me away from the next workshop and I'll of course see you next at the Cat & Fiddle fo the August showcase. Stephen
Gilli, Thanks for the opportunity to perform at the July Songsalive! Showcase; I had a great time and enjoyed meeting and seeing the other songwriters. Good luck on your upcoming tour. Best, David Serby
I’m very excited by the opportunity to perform at the July 29 Songsalive! Showcase. In the last eleven months, I’ve attended your Sunday workshops religiously and have benefited greatly from the critiques. David Serby (about our L.A Showcase)
From: Eric de
Fontenay Even though our last six months have been extremely profitable, our Board of Directors have decided that our last day will be Friday July 25th, 2003." The news delivered by Tonos Entertainment's Head of Artist Development Sahirah Uqdah closed the doors on one of the few high-flying old-guard sites as a new generation of music providers like Apple & Buy.com, as well as their file sharing nemesis, increasingly define the new online music experience. The news follows the closing of MP3.com Europe and 'for sale' sign on MP3.com as Vivendi Universal undoes Jean-Marie Messier's follies. While in the
broader scope of things, the closure may simply represent a passing
of the pioneers as the industry evolves increasingly around major
players, the implications for the indie community may be
devastating. Sites like MP3.com & Tonos had been perceived as
key elements in leveling the playing field, if only somewhat, giving
independent artists & labels the tools and visibility to make
that leap to the next level. In the case of Tonos, the news of its
closing is particularly bruising as it appeared on the surface to be
one of the few success stories. The company had signed agreements
with publishers such as EMI Music Publishing and Famous Music,
striked artist development deals with labels like Columbia Records
and J Records, and scored some notable deals with the
'majors.' And while MP3.com is today a shadow of its former self, it
became the indispensable marketing and revenue tool for nearly every
and any artist at its height. Nor should the significant investment
in time & effort made into these sites by countless artists be
forgotten. Least we forget, MP3.com would just be an empty shell
with a nifty infrastructure platform were it not for the 250,000
artists that contributed over 750,000 songs and untold marketing
effort. This is not to say that indie artists have been left totally
stranded as more independent service providers ranging from
CDstreet, TAXI, Indie-Music, Songsalive! & our own MusicDish
Network continue to provide valuable avenues to level that playing
field and advance their careers. Even Apple, with its limited access
to the major labels' catalogue, has turned to the indie community to
plug in the holes and bring some of the same dynamism that had
helped build the venerable old-timers into a real force online at
one time. But make no mistake about it, we're a long way from those
old Riffage & IUMA days of 'irrational exuberance.
Hi! I have just become a member of Songsalive and even though it’s too late for me to showcase this year at the EXPO in Los Angeles, I would just like to say that this is a great organisation and I hope everything runs well this year. I will certainly be in it next year. Is it always in LA? I live in Australia and it would be a privilege to one day do a showcase over there. Best regards, Paulo Almeida (yes Paul… we started in Australia!)
I want to say a sincere thanks for helping me become a better writer in a positive and nurturing environment. The value I have received at Songsalive events cannot ever be measured in any tangible way. All I can say is THANK YOU (from my heart) and that I'm glad I chose this wonderful but challenging road... because you and so many other beautiful people share it. Thanks again. Scott Turchin: I can't tell you enough how much I admire what you've built here - LA is a tough town to do anything collective in and you've built this beautiful network, with good looking logos and a fantastic name. And managed to make it work on several continents. Trevan Wong
Hi Gilli, a great pleasure to meet you and Paul today and find that you’re both nicely balanced, positive people. And also the interesting variety of songwriters who were there. I particularly found your comments about people’s songs to be right on target, and frequently inspired (your lyric idea for mine alone may save the song from being ordinary to being memorable). Very tough to come up with song solutions so quickly! it makes me want to hear your music. Gotta see if I can find some on good ol’ MP3.com or on the Songsalive site. I did so many workshops in years past that I must admit I let myself get burned out and have avoided songwriter events for some time, but I felt very comfortable with the workshop you did today. Which is my long-winded way of saying, yeah, where do I sign, here’s my $30. We all need more alliances in this game! Looking forward to more events and more music! I can’t tell you enough how much I admire what you’ve built here. LA is a tough town to do anything collective in and you’ve built this beautiful network, with good looking logos and a fantastic name. And managed to make it work on several continents. Anyway, (can you tell it’s past my bedtime? I’m rambling on....) I’d like to join and like to see how I might help out with the Expo too. Cheers and thanks again. Scott Turchin
Gilli, Thanks again for the opportunity to perform at the showcase. I was really impressed with the talent that you brought together - especially that temperamental angel. Looking forward to Sunday’s workshop. Thanks, Chett Gunhus.
Marie Preston: Thank you for sending the CD Sampler 5, all the songs are great. Keep up the good work, hope all the artists and songwriters on the CDs find success with their songs. Kind regards, Marie Preston, UK
|
||
|
Songsalive!® Inc.
© 1997 - 2008
Check out our MySpace pages
|
Revised: June 18, 2008
|
|
 |
|
|
